Magik in writing

Its been a while since my last entry I'm afraid I've been rather unwell but I'm back in the saddle and here with a new entry.

After reading Mark Lawrence's blog today I felt inspired to write along a similar subject. Magik in books the back bone of all fantasy what ever the type. We create our rules and weave our way but it is easy to get bogged down explaining the systems of how it works. In my opinion magik should have an element of the unknown about it, this engages the reader saying that it should not be without some set of rules. Contradicting myself a little I admit. I take Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan and his magik system he slots in pieces here and there, explains a little about the male and female aspects of magik and briefly how it's channeled. It makes it more a part of the story rather and makes the reader feel that it is real and they are witnessing the act and without a full blown explanation, for example he says that a character channels and forms fire but doesn't say more than that this leaves the readers imagination to take a hold and paint their own picture.
I look at this aspect of my writing after the initial draft is done and the second draft begins that's when I can pick up and the little details that make sure not only the magik makes sense within the story but adds mystery and for the want of a better word magik to my writing.

My tip for this is look at your manuscript and if your magik needs to much explanation or your work is bogged down with it look at how it can be refined or broken down can parts be slotted in to different sections of the story. It takes practice and something I'm still learning to do myself. May your magik and your writing flow.

Lauren